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As of MARCH 9, 2008
My direction:
Do you have those times
in your life, where you do not get around to do the things you want, because life gets in the way? This is one of those
times for me.
I now have a new desktop
computer, and also, thanks to my brother, I also have a new laptop computer. What I do not have yet, is the skill to
use them like I need. Vista is different from my old Windows 95, and even the new Word program is a challenge for me!
I have lots to learn, to catch up.
I also am planning to move,
once I sell my home, and that means also completely retiring from my job of 33 years. Big changes in my life, mean many
things to be done now.
This does mean
that Christy's Bluebird Project is put on a back burner, but I am still cookin'!
What I want to relay here,
is that we all don't get to do what we want, all the time. As to Bluebirds, you can always do something. Read
if you can't have or get out to boxes. Plan for another day. Enjoy what it is that you do in learning, watching,
or working with any nesting cavity bird. Tomorrow is another day.
I still am unable to get
my old computer's information into my new computer. At this time I cannot contact my Monitors. Very few are
reporting to me. Those that are, are reporting many nests full of eggs and babies! I would assume this is happening
all over our areas.
Monitors, and others
who are or have tried to contact me, my e-mail is ke4fej1@msn.com Note: That is is changed from @email.msn.com
If you use the word email in the address, I will not get your message. I have heard that many cannot get through
to me. If not long distance, please call
355-5265 if you find
your e-mail is being returned, or that you did not get a reply from me.
Many have asked for more
boxes. I am not making them at this time. A quick fix is the $10.00 WalMart or Lowes box. Yes, it is of
airomatic cedar, and not supposed to be good for the birds, but the birds seem to love this box. Go get some!
My plans, are to get my
old information in these new computers. Then to contact my Monitors, one at a time. I would like to get new photos
of what is happening on their Trails. We all love to look at photos! I continue to write an article monthly for
the Myakka Livin' magazine. For the future, I still want to write an article for a larger magazine, and even to
write a book! I would like to build a special Christy's Bluebird box to sell. But, also want to experiment with
recycled materials in building boxes. I believe more boxes for all birds and critters is what is needed, and one on
one training/ and education . I also want to keep updateing this web page. Now, with a new computer I can, where
I had a terrible time before. I believe we all need Goals to reach for. My Goals of the past for my project, I
find, need to be ever changing, and it is all good. I still believe.."It is not all about Bluebirds." As we help
them, they give us the opportunity to find things out about ourselves, and others. We find beauty, life, love, skills,
value, knowledge, opportunity, change, all this and more is Bluebird Happiness.
The birds are doing their
thing, even if I or you are not doing all you want. It's ok.
The Bluebird Project Booklet,
that the state
4-H, is going to publish,
is still in the works. I have not received any new word on it. I am not surprised progress has slowed down, due
to all the state budget cuts, that must be happening.
The Martins have returned
to our area, starting in January. Eli Miller, our Martin Expert, already reported 30 pair flying around his Martin homes.
We even have
had a few Trails report Bats are using their boxes. Fantastic! Anything that wants to use a box, has a need: let
them have it! By the way, I may have been bitten by a bat, that was in my fireplace. Note:
Rabies shots Do Not Hurt now, but don't go around handling or touching Bats. Shots cost about $1500.00 ...now
that does hurt!
You too, can be a
part of Christy's Bluebird Project where all I ask is that you report what you see happening in your boxes at least once a
week, or just get your nesting boxes up and be a part of what is happening. If you have questions, I will always answer
by e-mail at ke4fej1@msn.com or you can call
941-355-5265
Note: I cannot call back long distance; try then to catch me at night or on weekends.
You can do more by reading
"The Bluebird
Monitor Guide" the best
book on Bluebirds!
Check out the libraries
around Sarasota and
Manatee,
or where you live. To purchase this book, it costs around $11.00 on Amazon.com. You too can learn to be an expert! ..or ask your local library to purchase this book for
your library.
You can build
your own boxes, or find friends to build some for you. Gather old wood to make boxes. Figure out a way to make
your boxes better by changing the design. Be creative! Just get busy and have some Bluebird fun!
**Never paint the inside
of a box, and if painting try to use light colors. The hole size is 1 1/2 inches, and 6 inches from the floor to the
bottom of the hole. Have another 3 to 4 inches from the top of the hole. Floor sizes should be more like 4.5 by
5 inches. Give the roof an overhanging front. Never put a purch under the hole. Try to hang your box on
a free standing pole, or fence post, and never put one on a tree. Learn about Predator Guards because even if you
think you don't have any you do/or will....be prepared! Keep learning little Facts to Bluebirding...it
is not so hard...you can do it!
If you see Bluebirds in
your area, there is no
reason you too can't have
them in your yard
breeding, but you have to
get boxes up. Give
it a try. Join in
the fun. Once you find eggs and babies in your boxes you will be hooked!
Remember....
Now or ANYTIME,is the
best Time to get your Boxes UP!
People seem not to believe
this fact, but it
is true! Try it!
Put up your Boxes
Now!
Note: Bluebirds
are not endangered, and will not effect the land usage of your property, just because you have boxes up on them.
Do I seem
to be repeating myself...? You have to get the boxes out there... to see if you will get anything in them!
All we can do
is Try. Since starting in 2002, look where we are today. There are
now lots of Bluebirds around us! So let's keep Trying and see where we
can go. Many Trails that only had one box in use yearly, are getting two to three boxes in use now, out of
five boxes.
..Spread the Word..Bluebird!
THINK
BLUEBIRD!
